A highly readable general history of Western Australia from first white settlement in 1826 until the end of the 20th century. Bolton identified that there was no up-to-date history for the general reader, and has achieved this to a high degree of satisfaction.

This is a "short history" that doesn't compete in terms of depth or comprehensiveness with the more traditional volumes. It personifies the late 20th century social historian, seeking evidence of life in the state from the experiences of individuals, which were neither prioritised nor often easily available to those historians in the generations before Bolton.

Overall, a sensible read that captures the key points of the state's growth. Like most history books, it is stronger on the items hat have passed long ago, rather than the contemporary moment where the historian must make a choice as to what is the most relevant. Enjoyable, with a good bibliography to direct readers further. The last full history of the state was published in the late 1970s, so I'd say it's time for a 1,000 page gorilla! ( )